why are people still hung up about this game formerly being $70?
like, yes, they originally were going to sell the game at launch for $70. But...they didn't. While I can't say for sure, I imagine that they were initially expecting to have a full, robust game ready last November, but, because of the state of the world, and how it's severely impacted game development, they made the decision to not only delay the game, but release the game as part of PS+ to give it the best shot at finding its audience.
my assumption is that with that major shift, they scaled down their initial plans for the release of the game, and focused on getting the modes they had as polished and fun as possible in the 3 month delay, and then find ways to monetize during this PS+ period. As a game designer, I know how quickly plans can change, and how it's necessary to adapt to those changes and try to do the best work you can so you can release something you're proud of, and that hopefully players enjoy.
I'm probably sensitive to it, but I find comments like "they were going to release this for $70" to be incredibly insulting and unnecessary. It's not like this game is bad like that one wolf game that released last year. It's a legit fun game, and it's currently free to play for PS+ subscribers. I don't see the problem here. What they were gonna do is irrelevant. What they have done is what matters to me.
The game is a new IP, from a developer that's not 300+ people strong. Not only that, but it's a launch window game for a brand new console that has a very small install base. Unlike, say, Spider-Man or Sackboy, it doesn't have the cushion of being multi-platform to help recoup investment costs. And like I mentioned in the OT a while back, there's a very high chance that when the game is finally removed from PS+ in 60 days, retailers selling the physical copy will probably drop the price as well, as they'll want to move stock before the game loses heat. It's also possible that Sony will cut the price of the game on the PS Store, depending on what metrics their analytics team gathers during this 60 day PS+ period. On top of that, it's not like the team is done with the game. They're still working hard on content and features that will be rolled out over time, especially if the game garners positive word of mouth.
I don't see this as an Avengers type situation, where the game was received lukewarmly by players from the start (while also having high expectations placed on it due to the strength of the IP). It looks to me that players are having fun with what's currently in the game, while obviously expressing constructive criticism about what they feel is missing. This is a good sign for things to come, and I hope the devs are encouraged by the reaction and continue to move forward with their plans for it.
